2022 NASH Cup – Day 1 Results
It was a tremendous opening night at London Squash & Fitness. The 2022 NASH Cup is a full PSA Challenger 20 event for the first time, and the packed crowd witnessed matches that would rival quarter finals of past years. The level of play was exceptions. Perhaps more importantly, so was the on court sportsmanship. It’s with great pride that we provide this summary and pictures thanks to Rael Wienburg. All matches were live streamed, and for the first time this included live commentary. Thank you to Jeff Wong and his team at DAGI for making this happen.
An event like this isn’t possible without tremendous sponsor support. I’d like to welcome our new sponsors who helped make this possible. New for 2022 are The A-Team at Re/MAX Hallmark (who also supported the Lightning Matches); Mackenzie Investments; Scholars Education (who have donated $1,000 to developmental squash); NAPA Auto Parts; Toyo Tires; and Wilson Ford Surveying and Engineering.
It’s possible that the number of pitchers of beer sold tonight may have been a club record. This could be because they were well priced….but we will take this opportunity to thank one of our founding sponsors Sleeman Breweries.
Tonight the losers leave with $307.56 USD in cash and 31.5 points. If a player averaged 31.5 points they would be ranked #162 for men and #110 for women globally.
Tuesday Match Summary
Court 1 3pm Yannik Omlor (GER; 100) bt Valentin Rapp (GER; 132) 3-0 – 11-8;11-7;11-9 (43m)
Court 2 3pm Zeina Zein (EGY; 89) bt. Laura Tovar (COL; 103) 3-1 – 8-11;11-3;11-3;11-1 (33m)
Court 1 3:45 Nadeen Kotb (EGY; 77) bt. Amal Izhar (CAN; 183) 3-0 – 11-4; 12-10; 11-3 (21m)
Court 2 3:45 Mike McCue (CAN; 108) bt. Mark Broekman (ENG; 163) 3-1 – 11-6; 11-6; 6-11; 11-7 (43m)
Court 1 4:30 Daniel Mekbib (CZE;89) bt. Connor Turk (CAN; 147) 3-0 -11-5; 11-4; 11-7 (23m)
Court 1 5:15 Diana Garcia (MEX; 96) bt. Margot Prow (ENG; 131) 3-0 – 11-7; 11-7; 11-9 (29m)
Court 2 5:15 Edmon Lopez (ESP; 86) bt. Salah Eltorgman (CAN; 184) 3-0 – 11-3; 11-8; 11-7 (28m)
Court 1 6:30 Andrew Douglas (USA; 84) bt. Matthew Henderson (CAN; 414) 3-0 – 11-7; 11-7; 11-7 (25m)
Court 2 6:30 Katerina Tycova (GER; 105) bt. Ali Loke (ENG; 90) 3-1 – 10-12;11-5;11-7;12-10 (39m)
Court 1 7:15 Anna Kimberley (ENG; 81) bt. Iman Shaheen (CAN; 241) 3-0 – 11-1; 11-8; 11-6 (23m)
Court 2 7:15 Alfredo Avila (MEX; 79) bt. Liam Marrison (CAN; 187) 3-1 – 5-11; 11-8; 11-5; 11-8 (37m)
Court 1 8:00 Guiherme Melo (BRA; 112) bt. Shawn Delierre (CAN; 111) 3-2 – 13-11; 11-13, 12-10; 5-11; 0-0 retired (84m)
Court 2 8:00 Ambre Allinchx (SUI; 95) bt. Sofia Mateos (ESP; 108) 3-1 – 11-3; 11-2; 9-11; 11-4 (32m)
Court 1 8:45 Alicia Mead (ENG; 85) bt. Nikki Todd (CAN; 104) 3-1 – 12-14; 11-3; 12-10; 11-8 (31m)
Court 2 8:45 Nick Sachvie (CAN; 94) bt. Diego Gobbi (BRA; 117) 3-1 – 11-5; 11-9; 8-11; 15-13 (53m)
Tuesday Match Write Up
Court 1 3pm Valentin Rapp (GER; 132) vs. Yannik Omlor (GER; 100)
This is the first NASH Cup appearance for both players….and it’s a long way to come from Germany to face someone from your own country. These two last faced off in 2017 where Valentin was the winner. They also had a warm up match last night in the first NASH Cup Lightning Matches.
Valentin took the opening 2 points, but then it was Yannik with 8 straight claiming a commanding lead on long rallies. Valentin found some rhythm and brought things back to 5-9. A couple of great drops and its 8-10. Both players move to a defensive game, and a long rally sees the ball go out of court giving Yannik an 11-8 win.
Valentine jumped to a fast lead in the second taking a controlling 4-0 position. He has decided to stick to “rail” shots worked for a while, but Yannik made some changes, forced some crosses and returned to a picked up 2. The battle shifts back and forth and the game advances to 6-4. Yannick breaks the first racquet of the tournament and grabs his spare. Pro’s carry the same racquets as back-ups, but any change can take adjustment and Valentin goes up 7-4. A long rally and an unforced error by way of a missed drop shot by Valentin and Yannick takes an 8-7 lead. Yannick hangs on for the win and a 2-0 lead.
Yannick jumps to another 2-0 lead and it’s looking tough for Valentin. The match was well found, but Yannick takes it 3-0.
(Energizer)
Court 2 3pm Laura Tovar (COL; 103) vs. Zeina Zein (EGY; 89)
Laura is in her 3rd NASH Cup while Zeina is a rookie. The match started quickly, and these rallies are long. Zeina is 17 and has great movement. Laura has the lighter touch and picks up a 4-2 lead with some tight drop shots. The opening game is a battle of strength versus touch. A beautiful redirect from Laura puts her up 7-5 as Zeina is left watching the ball bounce a second time. Zeina made a beautiful drop to get back to 7-8, but then caught some tin for 7-9. Laura closes with a perfect drop boast to win 11-8.
An opening stroke call followed by a flat nick puts Zeina up 2-0. The pace has changed and Zeina is running everywhere. Up 3-0. If Zeina was older we would question her ability to keep up this pace. Speed is working as Zeina moves up 6-1 before catching a tin. Laura returns the favour with an out of court followed by a tin. 8-3 Zeina. A great cross court drop gets her to 9-3. Zeina controls the final points for an 11-3 win. Were tied 1-1.
This is a very level game and it’s quicky 2-2. Zeina’s speed is providing an edge as she moves up to 5-2. Laura has started forcing Zeina back in the court moving the ball back and forth to bring it to 5-5, but two straight stroke calls gives the lead back to Zeina. A dead bounce at the back followed by great cross. 10-5. Game ball. Zeina up 2-1.
Zeina is in control now pushing the ball deep and gaining a 5-0 lead. Youth is her edge and it’s causing Laura to make some mistakes as she looks to regain control. 7-0. A deep shot gets Laura on the board at 8-1. Zeina takes the match.
(Energizer)
Court 1 3:45 Nadeen Kotb (EGY; 77) vs. Amal Izhar (CAN; 183)
Both are returning to the NASH Cup for the second time. It’s their first PSA meeting.
These two compact ladies take to the court following the two German men. Nadeen takes an early lead against her Canadian opponent with some sharp shots. Amal returned with some free-flowing shots of her own. Both ladies are taking it in short with accurate play. Amal allowed Nadeen too many opportunities to attack it short, and Nadeen didn’t miss any chances. She took the first 11-4.
Both ladies continue with their attacking play. Some errors creep in for both ladies when going short. Equally, both players are forcing errors, or weak play resulting in strokes, from excellent attacks. Amal is playing some great power shots with her relaxed swing. Nadeen still playing a range of accurate attacks keeping her ahead, but Amal manages to come back to take a lead. It’s touch and go with Amal up 9-8 then Nadeen 10-9… 10-10 and a huge forehand volley crosscourt nick off serve from Nadeen getting her another game point. She takes it with Amal hitting her return into the tin. Disappointing end for Amal after playing really well this game and matching her higher ranked opponent at every stage. 2-0 Nadeen.
Nadeen takes an early lead in the third. The winners are flowing from her racket. Dying lengths, boasts, soft drops… a great range of shots. If Amal is to pick up more of these balls, she needs to inject a little extra acceleration into her movement. Nadeen doesn’t let up and takes the match with a confident third game. Well played to both ladies, who played a very stylish match, filled with delicate touches and lovely variety.
(Rob)
Court 2 3:45 Mike McCue (CAN; 108) vs Mark Broekman (ENG; 163)
Brad’s brother reporting on long time (8 time) Nash Cup participant, Mike McCue of Canada versus Mark Broekman of England (2 NASH Cups). Tournament organizer, Jay Nash told me that McCue is 1-0 in his career against Broekman defeating him 3-0 back in 2018. I haven’t fact checked this so please email any complaints directly to Jay. He’s ready for them.
On to the match. McCue is quite a strong athlete, but is lucky that he’s playing a game of squash and not a wrestling match. Broekman stands at least a foot taller than this reporter. On to the squash.
Early in the first game it’s clear that Broekman takes up quite a bit of space around the middle and McCue is going to have to keep him out to eh sides of the court. One of the great parts of squash is that all body types can compete against one another and have various strengths and challenges that come with them. I can’t help but envy being able to get to any corner from the T in just 1 step.
Back and forth at the start and middle of game 1. McCue then starts to use some effective cross-courts and boasts to work the taller opponent. If my memory serves me right, McCue has gotten a game off of, and pushed the great James Wilstrop who is also a taller player. So if I had to make an educated guess my beer money would be on the Canadian and current University of Toronto #1 in this match.
Broekman hits a tin on the last shot of the first game to lose it 11-6. Even though I was busting writing on my phone for most of the game, it was clear that McCue’s strategic use of angles was an effective one. Let’s see if Broekman can adjust and keep it a little tighter and take away McCue’s time and space to get him back in control of the middle of the court.
Long first point at the start of game 2 was finished with a tight backhand by Broekman. Can he get some momentum and make it a match? Couldn’t ask for a better start as it’s 3-0 For Mark and then 4-1. Broekman is definitely playing straight and has to do it near perfectly if it’s going to work against Sudbury Ontario’s greatest squash star. McCue is battling back with a couple of hard working rallies and it’s now 3-4. McCue battled back to take a lead at 6-5 with some terrific forehand holds. Perhaps a tired forehand missed volley drop from Broekman and McCue looking confident that he’s got a firm hold of this game. But at this level you can’t take any opponent or score for granite. The end of game 2 sees McCue oozing with confidence and running off a bunch of straight points to get to 10-5. Another great hold and game is done at 11-6.
If I was a betting man, I would double down on my beer wager that McCue is going to win this in 3. But I’m unfamiliar with Broekman and I’m interested in seeing what he has left in the tank. He will need more than just a great start to turn this match around. Browkman with an ideal start in the third going up 3-0, but can he keep it going? He fires in a forehand kill to go up 4-0 and looks like he’s got some confidence now. McCue is fighting back now to 2-4. Broekman picked the pace up to start this match, but it looks like it tired him out a bit. Can he maintain the lead and make it a match? If you were watching the live streaming, you would already know the answer prior to reading this. A long and gruelling win by Broekman to take a 6-3 lead in the third. He may have won that point, but he’s definitely breathing harder now. McCue hits the back wall nick and then delivers another taxi to fight back to within 1 at 5-6.
Broekman going to the towel again after another long point, clearly exhausted, but showing some fighting spirit. This is exactly why I’m not a betting man as Broekman defied the odds and had McCue doing court sprints at the end of that game and won it 11-6 in 9 minutes. Let’s see who can get out to an early lead in game 4. My beer money once again is on the Control the T sponsored player (McCue for those who are unaware).
Solid first point from McCue and he looks refocused this game. McCue starts the fourth up 3-1 and seems to be moving even faster this game and taking the ball earlier. Broekman plays the rare combination of 3 straight boasts which results in McCue finally counter dropping and taking a 4-2 lead. 6-2 McCue and this match is looking in complete control. Broekman might be tired, but he’s still fighting and gets it back to 5-6. One last OUA from Broekman as he’s throwing everything at McCue, but he just keeps getting back near outright winners.
McCue at 10-6 match point. The last can often be the toughest to win, but not this time as Broekman misses a forehand drop and the match is finished with McCue winning 3-1 in 44 minutes. Overall, a great fight by Broekman, but McCue has the right tactic and was just too quick and fit on the day. Next up for McCue will be Christopher Gordon of the USA.
(Stingray’s Brother)
Court 1 4:30 Connor Turk (CAN; 147) vs. Daniel Mekbib (CZE;89)
Not too often this reporter gets to write but due to contract negotiations between Brad Hanebury and Jay Nash, I have been given a great honour.
A first time face off in a PSA match between these two. Both individuals close in age with only 2 years separating them. Connor is in his 3rd NASH Cup, while Daniel is on #2. Daniel a tall fit left hander sporting a beard for the ages, it has to be the top ranked beard in the PSA since at least 2021. Connor, a young looking fit right hander hailing from Winnipeg Canada home of the 1 month summer and a bug season that has to be witnessed to be believed.. Daniel started the match serving and instantly starting playing at a high pace taking the ball early and taking advantage of some short lengths with some precise drops. Daniel jumped out to a 4-0 lead while Connor was adjusting to pace and pressure. Connor started to settle with some great cross-courts and lengths to grab a few quick points. A couple high paced rallies dictated by Daniel, and some missed cued drops by Connor and the game got away from him as Daniel takes it 11-5.
Second game has Daniel sticking to his tactics of taking the ball early and playing at a punishing pace. Connor was moving well trying to counter throwing in some soft touch, but Daniel’s punishing pace is just that punishing. He takes the second gam 11-4. Connor has his back against the wall now and according to a local legend is 1 game away from the true experience of the Nash Cup and its Sleemans beer selection.
Daniel refuses to let up on the pace and is really moving the ball around the court to all 4 corners. Connor fighting hard engaging the crowd and throwing everything he has at him. Connor fighting back to 7-10 showing his tenacity and just won’t give up. Connor has capitalized on some off speed rallies with some great drops and front court pressure. A great 3rd game but Daniel’s game plan was too much and he takes the 11-5, 11-4, 11-7.
Court 2 4:30 Lucie Stefanoni (USA; 97) vs. Torrie Malik (ENG; 86)
Another lengthy report by Brad’s brother. Here are 2 of the youngest competitors in the draw, both in the NASH Cup for the first time, both here with siblings. Torrie Malik (ENG) won the lighting tournament last night so is on a winning streak. She is an accurate and hard hitting player. Lucy Stefanoni (USA) is light on her feet, is an efficient mover and has nice touch. Both are juniors and I imagine they have played many times before.
Malik takes a quick 4-1 lead. Malik has a great clean swing, is very still and has early racquet preparation and not a lot of moving parts. Stefanoni as a more relaxed style of play, but doesn’t seem as powerful. It’s a tight first game with Malik leading 8-6 and eventually 10-6. Malik owes her coach some court push-ups as she served out at a game ball, but fortunately won the next point to take the game 11-8 in 8 minutes. The future of the woman’s tour is on display and it’s really a treat to watch.
Malik’s brother, Curtis is coaching between games while Lucy’s sister Marina is coaching her. Let’s see which sibling is the better coach. My guess is Malik will eventually win because she’s more accurate with her length and kills, but we’ll see if Stefanoni can limit her time and space. The second game starts pretty close as Stefanoni takes a 3-2 lead. One rare er
ror by Malik and she’s down 4-2. Another tin and a ‘no let’ and Stefanoni is up 6-3. Stefanoni is fast and Malik presses and hits a few more unforced errors. 8-3 Stefanoni and she’s gaining some momentum, but in the blink of an eye Malik gets back to 7-8. Some realty short points this game and too many errors from Malik sees Stefanoni at a 10-8 lead. Malik gets 1 back with an inch perfect backhand volley kill, but Stefanoni hits a winning crosscourt return to take the game 11-9. We got a match and clearly Curtis needs to remind Torrie to keep it above the tin. Easier said than done. Let’s see how it plays out.
Game 2 was only 6 minutes long, but game 3 is going to be a real battle. Malik comes out strong and takes a 2-0 lead. So far no tins, so well done on the coaching from Curtis. Some great gets by Malik finished by a deadly backhand boast and she takes a commanding 5-2 lead. Malik is flying with confidence this game is her tins from last game are now winners. Just as I wrote that, tin. Just keeping me in check. Still a 7-3 lead for Malik and she’s taking control with her power and precise winners. At 8-5 Malik she gets a ‘no let’ on what appears to be a stroke. For many juniors it’s a bad decision that gets them off their game. Malik however wins the next 2 points and takes a 10-6 lead. Stefanoni gets it back to 9-10 but Malik hits another straight kill winner. Still a few tins at the end of that game. She’ll need to clean those up if she wants to win more comfortably.
What are the siblings saying between games this time? Malik needs to stay aggressive from the right positions on the court and Stefanoni needs to keep her away from those areas. Let’s see who wins this chess match. A strong start for Stefanoni as she’s up 2-0 followed by a quick tin by Malik to go up 3-0. Malik seems to be winning and losing most of the points, perhaps it’s the speed of Stefanoni forcing these errors though. A great start for Stefanoni and it looks like we’re in for another rapid fire game as Stefanoni is up 8-1. Curtis has his work cut out for him. Stefanoni takes a commanding fourth game 11-3 in a shocking 3 minutes.
The momentum is all with Stefanoni, but you don’t get to this level without being able to regroup and turn a bad game around. Let’s see if Malik can hit more winners than errors in this game. A bit of a longer point to start the fifth, but the first point goes to Stefanoni. Malik with a tin and she’s got to get some confidence back. She smashes 2 winners and gets back even at 2. Back and forth to start this one until Stefanoni takes a 3 point lead at 6-3. Stefanoni hits a rare tin and Malik is now just down 1 at 5-6. A perfect dying length by Malik to tie things up. Malik looking more confident after hitting an inch perfect forehand volley kill to go up 8-6. 9-7 Malik after another great winner. 10-8 Malik, will she win it or tin it? Stefanoni barely picks up a ball and saves 1 match ball. A tense rally at the end but Stefanoni hits another rare tin and Malik has a sigh of relief with a 11-9 5 game victory in 40 minutes. Malik will have to keep those tins to a minimum tomorrow if she’s going to take down the 7th seed, Alison Thomson (SCO).
Court 1 5:15 Diana Garcia (MEX; 96) vs. Margot Prow (ENG; 131)
Here we have Diana, a Nash Cup veteran in her third appearance, playing left handed Margot who is making her debut at the Nash Cup. The first game has the players trading points with some great paced rallies, volley’s and court movement. Both players are using the whole court moving each other and looking for any weakness in their game. Diana started to real
ly make some pressuring shots going short and twisting her opponent. Margot was moving well and keeping the rallies going but a few errors under pressure and Diana takes the first game 11-7.
The second game both players are firing on all cylinders. Some great touch by Diana and some great mid court boasts and tight lengths has the game going back and forth every point. As the game got deeper Diana put her foot down and really attacked the ball and was taking the ball a half step quicker now then Margot. Diana really took control and finishes off the last few points very decisively. 11-7
Third game Margot comes out with great attacking shots and pressure and Diana makes a few errors and Margot is showing she doesn’t want to be done yet. Both players are playing at an incredible pace, attacking the ball, volleying , and showing incredible touch when needed. Diana settled and starting getting her lengths deeper and cross courts wider which was putting Margot under great pressure and took advantage of some weak cross courts throwing soft touch cross court drops. Diana played the last 5 points flawless and took the match 11-7, 11-7, 11-9.
Court 2 5:15 Edmon Lopez (ESP; 86) vs. Salah Eltorgman (CAN; 184)
Well, well, well. Look what the Nash Cup dragged in. Unofficial match reporter Stingray Hanebury has been called back into action.
Tonight’s match is one of the most highly anticipated by this reporter. We have Edmon vs Salah. Salah just started his first year at Western after putting in a very strong performance at senior nationals this year. It’s expected that Salah will be a great addition to the team.
The match begins with Edmon running up the first four points and local headache Gary Sullivan spilling his fourth beer.
Edmon looks very strong and isn’t giving the young Salah any chances to find his form. However, it isn’t until Edmon is up 9-0 before Salah can capture his first point.
Salah manages to get three points on the board before Edmon takes the game 11-3.
This match break brought to you Sapporo Dark – Tastes just like normal Sopporo, but is dark.
Game two begins with Salah rushing back on court. Obviously not happy with the last game, he’s looming ready to play a little more patient and focus.
The focus pays off as he runs up a 4
-1 early lead. Edmon isn’t happy. Edmon climbs back to 4-5, at which point we are a good, tough rally where both players explore all four corners. Edmon manages a 9-7 lead, to which Salah responds by carving in a vicious cross court roll out nick from the back right corner. Edmon, unfazed, grinds out the next few points to win the game.
This break brought to you by the beer that Gary just brought to me.
Game three starts tight but Edmon starts to pull away. Salah looks a little tired and then he’s given a no let on a somewhat contentious call. The call is followed by technical difficulties on the ref’ing tablet. Wouldn’t be a problem if Mobials made the app, but I digress.
Edmon starts to pull away a bit and despite some good efforts by Salah at the end, Edmon wins the match.
Well, first match report in the books. Stayed tuned for more as the Nash Cup progresses.
Court 1 6:30 Matthew Henderson (CAN; 414) vs. Andrew Douglas (USA; 84)
A battle between former CSA number 1s this match was highly anticipated by the home crowd for the western alumni. Douglas is beginning his first season of playing as a full-time pro and the contrast of his fitness and speed against Henderson’s talent should provide an entertaining match.
Douglas came out hot in the 1st game dominating the play with hard hitting and early volleys forcing the pace. The local hero managed to win his few points in style with plenty of cross court nicks and signature reverse boasts. In the end the Americans solid play gave him the first quite easily.
Due to Matt’s limited fitness the rallies really opened up in the 2nd game with short rallies filled with saucy winners and flat nicks. “Hendo” really started to feel the energy of the crowd and get hot with his winners but, Dougies movement and steadiness assisted with a very questionable let decision halted Hendos momentum and gave the game to the American 11-7
Maybe Hendo had a pre-emptive beer in between games but something loosened him up as he fired some filthy winners to race to a 4-1 lead. Hendo’s secret sauce began to run out as Dougie took hold of the game with his go to hard hitting and high pace. In classic Hendo style the match ended on an audacious reverse boast attempt giving the match to Douglas 11-7 in the 3rd.
The support of the western team made this one of the loudest matches of the night and definitely distracted the ladies on court 2. Following the match Henderson noted that it was like being back in a college match….but this time he had the home crowd. It was a great match.
Court 2 6:30 Katerina Tycova (GER; 105) vs. Ali Loke (ENG; 90)
Fresh off her victory in Portugal Karina Tycova joins the NASH Cup for the first time facing Ali Loke….who has been playing here since she was Ali Hemmingway. This game is well balanced. The NASH Cup has returned to a Challenger 20 level and with a large purse in Paris the field is extremely tight on their rank and skill. In past years players would watch matches which often ended 3-0. Very different in 2022
The rallies are long, and the points are swinging back and forth to go 3-3. Having seen Ali for many years now this writer can confirm
her game is gaining strength. The cross courts are strong, and she is pushing Karina back and forth taking an 8-5 lead. Karina is strong and patient, but Ali picks up more nicks and pushes up 9-6. The German coach is here, and an adjustment may happen between games. The noise from court 1 is jarring as Western’s Matt Henderson takes on Andrew Douglas of the USA. Very unusual conditions for the ladies. Ali up 10-7 but puts one into the tin. Another winner from Tycova and it’s 10-9…..and now 10-10. The crowd loves extra points. The rally goes up the left wall over and over. 20 shots; one cross and then back. An intense rally. Karina goes for the winner and catches tin. 11-10 Loke. Sadly a stroke call ends things at 12-10.
(First game by Energizer)
Five quick rallies to start the second game. 3-2 Tyvova. Tycova won a long rally to go up 4-2. These two have not played each other in a PSA competition before. The rallies became progressively longer but Tycova was able to take a 6 – 4 lead. As the two continued to press Tycova was able to keep good position and take a strong 9 – 5 lead. Two long rallies to finish the game and Tycova won 11 – 5. (Second game by Robbie…and back to Energizer)
We’re back at 1-1 and the crowd is in this……and the game on court one. Unbelievably loud for a Tuesday night. The 21 pros here for the first time won’t know wat they’ve landed into.
A great opening rally sees a deep rail shot to the back left that Ali simply can’t get. 1-0. She answers and ties it up quickly. Great to see such long rallies and even play. At 2-2 Ali misses a drop that was a safe win. We return to longer rallies. She tries the same drop. Hits it, but Tycova is there and she nails it down the wall. 4-2 Tycova. They battle on the left wall and that may be to Ali’s favour. 4-3. Karina knows her game, but a second stoke call in this game makes it 5-4. The rallies are going longer and it all comes down to the success of the eventual boast. 8-6 Tycova. An extremely tight boast from Tycova and its 10-6. Ali pulls a perfect Al Fayad pushing Tycova back and then making a winner. Very clean. We are 10-7. Tycova with a beautiful drop to finish. She leads 2-1.
A long rally ending in a let followed by an out of court from Tycova and Ali leads 1-0…..but it is quickly evened out with a straight drop. Ali gets caught behind on a drop and the Karina follows with another getting up 4-1. She seems to have momentum on her side now. The rallies shift back an forth, but this is a game of attrition and Tycova is earning about half the points building the lead to 6-3. Loke earns some quick points and it’s turned to 7-6 Loke. Ali needs to keep her shots clean, but has Karina flustered as she hits clean shots and gains an 8-7 advantage. Loke hits 3 cross courts to earn a 9-7 lead, but can’t finish things as Tycova closes. A stunning boast from Tycova and we are 9-9. A tough stroke as Tycova drills one down the wall and Ali is up 10-9. Both play with patience until Ali goes for the winner and hits low. A cross form Tycova and she is up 11-10 – match point. Clean drop to win.
Court 1 7:15 Anna Kimberley (ENG; 81) vs. Iman Shaheen (CAN; 241)
Sadly one of only a few matches missed by our writers tonight.
Court 2 7:15 Alfredo Avila (MEX; 79) vs. Liam Marrison (CAN; 187)
Great start for Marrison, he’s moving his opponent all over the court, not letting him settle in to the match. The long rallies are really suiting Marrison in this first game, he seems in control. Marrison takes a commanding 1-0 lead over the higher seeded Avila.
Marrison is getting balls back like his life depends on it, takes a quick 5-0 lead at the beginning of the 2nd game. Avila is making a comeback in this 2nd game, we’re tied at 6-6. Huge dive from Marrison at the end of the game, unfortunately it wasn’t enough. Games are tied 1-1
Long rallies here in the 3rd, the points are going back and forth. Avila pulls away at the end of the game, he leads 2-1.
After a huge effort from both players, and some great shots that got the crowd excited, Avila takes the match 3-1.
Report by Jagroop Bhangoo
Court 1 8:00 Guiherme Melo (BRA; 112) vs. Shawn Delierre (CAN; 111)
Assistant match reporter Stingray Esq. back again. Tonight we have a special treat: former Nash Cup champion Delierre vs Melo.
Shawn and Melo start the match trading points. This reporter assumes that Melo is from Brazil, sorry Brasil, based on the shirt he’s wearing. That or he found a good deal on a Brasil shirt.
Shawn almost immediately let’s Melo know that this is going to be a physical match.
The rallies are fast, high intensity, and sometimes ending by in lets. Shawn and Melo are neck and neck with them seeing 10-10 in the first. Shawn gets to 11 first but then hits two unforced errors to let Melo take the lead and eventually the game 13-11.
This commercial break brought to you by capitalism. That’s right. Multiple companies put their differences and profits aside, pooled their resources together at equal amounts regardless of effort or status, and worked towards a common goal to sponsor this promotion for capitalism… wait a minute…
Well…that was weird. Anyways, back to the match.
Shawn runs up a big lead in the second, going up 7-2 before Melo seems to recover. Then they’re interrupted by a mad moth — no, really — that flew onto the court and caused a delay in the match. I hear the upstairs door was open. Fortunately, Gary Sullivan — local beer exterminator — was on the scene and extended his repertoire to moths.
Whether it was the break in the game, the distraction, or otherwise, Melo recovers and ties the game up 7-7.
Melo gets up to game ball but Shawn digs in and ties it up 10-10. They then trade two rallies to get to 11-11 before Shawn wins a tough point to get game ball. Another physical rally see Shawn win the game 13-11.
So this break isn’t brought to you by anyone. Riley Trottier, who we all really thought we were rid of when he moved away, is back in London for the nash cup. He’s asked — several times — to be mentioned in these write ups. This reporter, respecting his integrity, of course declined. However, there comes a point when even the most virtuous of reporters reach their limits and simply want Riley to stop asking and go back to Victoria. So, there it is.
Third game is, surprise, point by for point with no one holding a lead. The rallies continue back and forth until Melo gets a 9-7 lead. Shawn wins the next point and we are back to 8-9. However, he gets a no let the next point and we see Melo with a game ball.
The match intensifies as Shawn comes back to 10-10. The point to tie it up ended as a strike and Melo is none too happy. He responds by winning the following point to get another game ball at 11-10.
Melo wins the game 12-10.
No sponsor of this break. Just an observation that Shawn is still using the same half size squash bag that he’s used for the last 15 years. This reporter is pretty sure it can only hold two racquets, one shirt, a single sock, and a banana, but the banana is sticking half out of the bag.
Shawn starts the fourth game going up 4-0. Melo looks a bit flat to start. He eventually gets to 6-0 before Melo chalks his first point on the board.
Two points later we have some discussion between the two players. Shawn seems to want Melo to provide more space, whereas Melo can’t understand French and has no idea what he’s saying.
Shawn doesn’t seem phased and proceeds to run the points to 10-5 game ball. However, on the first game ball point, Melo and Shawn collide and Shawn appears to have some pain in his knee.
Shawn takes an injury time out, which means this reporter can freshen up his pint.
After 20-30 mins of some physio work, Shawn is unable to continue and unfortunately has to concede the match.
I know, not the climax you were all expecting, but to be fair, I’m told I have a history of failing to meet expectations….
Court 2 8:00 Sofia Mateos (ESP; 108) vs. Ambre Allinchx (SUI; 95)
Court 1 8:45 Alicia Mead (ENG; 85) vs. Nikki Todd (CAN; 104)
Court 2 8:45 Nick Sachvie (CAN; 94) vs. Diego Gobbi (BRA; 117)
It all starts back up at 3pm Wednesday…..
